How to Communicate with Spouse During Separation
For many couples, maintaining open and respectful communication is often
difficult, especially if they struggled for years to communicate effectively
during the marriage. During your
divorce, communication is more important than ever, and is often the key to resolving
critical issues and making sure your children’s needs are met. At the
Arnold Law Group, APC, we encourage our clients to keep the lines of communication open and
to make sure their correspondences are civil and productive.
Below are some helpful communication tips for separated spouses:
Establish boundaries, and make them clear
Start off by discussing your preferred method of communication and how
often the two of you will discuss issues. If you are uncomfortable meeting
your spouse in person, then suggest that communication is by phone, text,
or email. Make it known whether you want to only respond to emergency
requests or whether you are okay with constant calls. By setting up and
asserting your boundaries, you can avoid unnecessarily stressful correspondence
and requests.
Take your time to respond
Don’t feel the need to respond immediately to every message. Take
your time to provide a thoughtful and respectful response.
Focus on the issues at hand
Dealing with a spouse can be emotional, and you may feel the urge to bring
up past issues or engage in back-and-forth arguments. Do your best to
focus on the topic of discussion. If you are talking about your children,
only focus on custody matters. This way, you can have more productive
conversations on important issues.
Pay attention to your tone
Maintain a cordial and respectful tone when talking to your spouse. Avoid
shouting or speaking in a sarcastic or demeaning manner. The tone you
use can set a precedent for how the entire divorce case unfolds. If your
spouse decides to speak to you this way, consider having your attorney step in.
Mediate
A mediator is a neutral third party who can help both sides come to a mutual
agreement on many issues. If you are having difficulty settling disputes,
a mediator can help steer both of you towards a positive settlement.
During your divorce, it is best that parties conduct themselves in a respectful
and dignified manner – and this includes on social media. Venting
about your case or sharing photos of your lifestyle can trigger your spouse
to act in a hostile or unfriendly manner, which can potentially delay
or complicate your case. If your spouse starts behaving in an antagonistic
manner, you may have no other option than to have him or her communicate
through your attorney.
Experienced Fresno Divorce Attorneys on Your Side
No matter how complicated or stressful your divorce becomes, the Arnold
Law Group, APC is here to help. We understand the many challenges that
couples face during the divorce process and how heated disputes can get.
Our Fresno divorce lawyers can provide real solutions and help ease the
anxieties and pain through your case. Schedule a private consultation
and let’s discuss your situation.